October 18, 2019 – West Bend, WI –Joseph Salvatore “Sam” Sanfilippo, 91, of West Bend, formerly of Milwaukee and Ormond Beach, FL, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at New Perspective Betty’s Harbor in West Bend surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was born on December 27, 1927 in Milwaukee to Giovanni and Dorthea (nee Cefalu) Sanfilippo. Following his graduation from Lincoln High School in 1947, Joe attended Milwaukee Tech School along with completing his apprenticeship to become a master carpenter. Throughout his career, Joe worked as a superintendent in commercial construction, building many churches and schools in the Milwaukee area before retiring in 1984.
He was a proud member of the carpenter’s union throughout his life. Joe was united in marriage to Jeanne Lisinski on September 3, 1949 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Jeanne preceded him in death on October 30, 2005. In his early 20’s, Joe was an avid body builder and weight lifter which he continued thoughout his life. He was a life long winemaker learning the craft his grandfather began in Italy and passing it through the generations to his great-grandchildren.
Those Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory include his two sons, Jon W. (Pam) Sanfilippo of Slinger and Joseph S. (Debra) Sanfilippo of Ormond Beach, FL; four grandchildren, Kerri A. (Robert) Loduha, Jessica M. (Gregory) Silva, Jennifer L. (Chris) Nackers, and Joseph E. (Madelyn) Sanfilippo; four great-grandchildren, Isabella Loduha, Frederick and Ben Silva, and Rose T. Sanfilippo; and two step-great-grandchildren, Ethan and Naomi Loduha. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Rose, Florence, Ida, Nicholas, Concetta, and Mary Concetta.
A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance for Joe will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1025 S. Seventh Avenue, West Bend, WI, with Rev. Andrew Infanger officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.
Joe’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Joe’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gary M. Herdrich, the staff of New Perspective and Betty’s Harbor staff, as well as the staff at Season’s Hospice for the loving care they provided.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements.
